LIFE & STYLE
Blacktown City Festival bringing tonnes of
Colourful characters, smooth sounds and plenty of free family fun are set to light up Blacktown this May, with the return of the much-loved Blacktown City Festival.
The 2026 program is shaping up to be one of the biggest yet, featuring an impressive lineup of 18 events across the month. From live music and comedy to family entertainment and cultural experiences, there’ s something on offer for every age group and interest.
This year’ s festival introduces a number of fresh attractions, including the lively 90s Bingo Party and a special appearance by Peppa Pig at the Kids Concert, while still delivering the traditional crowd favourites locals know and love- such as the Blacktown City Medieval Fayre and the ever-popular Streets Alive and Parade Day.
Blacktown City Council’ s flagship
Willy Wonka and friends at the Sweet Indulgence Dessert Festival.
festival has been entertaining the community for more than 50 years and continues to grow in scale and popularity. Today, it stands as one of the largest and most vibrant community festivals in Western Sydney, bringing people together to celebrate local culture, creativity and community spirit.
Blacktown City Mayor Brad Bunting said the festival remains a highlight on the local calendar.
“ The Blacktown City Festival is one of my favourite times of year because of the way we celebrate where we live,” he said.
“ Whether it’ s the street parade through Blacktown city centre, the swing music at Blacktown Showground, or any of the other fantastic events, our community loves coming together to enjoy entertainment that is live, local and full of energy.”
The festival kicks off with Vibes by the Lake on Sunday 3 May, setting the tone for a relaxed and entertaining month ahead. Held at the picturesque Nurragingy Reserve in Doonside, this free event is perfect for families and friends looking to unwind. Pack a picnic rug and enjoy an afternoon of soulful sounds, with talented musicians performing funk, reggae and soul
Colourful characters at the Streets Alive Parade.
by the water. From there, the festival rolls into a packed calendar of highlights. Comedy lovers won’ t want to miss the Blacktown Festival Comedy Night on Friday 8 May at Blacktown Workers Club. Featuring some of Australia’ s top comedic talent, the evening promises plenty of laughs. Headlined by stand-up veteran Joe Avati, the lineup also includes Justin Hamilton, Andrew Barnett, Stella Wu and Riv Narak- guaranteeing a night of sharp wit and belly laughs.
History comes to life at the muchanticipated Blacktown City Medieval Fayre,
running across Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 May at Nurragingy Reserve. This immersive event transports visitors back in time, with knights in shining armour, traditional crafts, a blacksmith’ s forge and a bustling medieval village. It’ s a fantastic hands-on experience for families and history buffs alike.
For those with a sweet tooth, the Sweet Indulgence Dessert Festival on Friday 22 May is sure to be a crowd favourite. The Village Green in Blacktown city centre will transform into a dessert lover’ s dream, offering everything from decadent treats to creative confections,
12 ISSUE 62 // MAY 2026 theindependentmagazine. com. au BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT